S-map Online

The digital soil map of New Zealand

S-map data includes fundamental soil property data - such as depth, stoniness, clay and sand content - created from field observations and expert knowledge, as well as derived soil data based on models (e.g., available water, macroporosity, P retention, pH, and soil carbon).

The tool also allows you to create custom soil maps and download soil factsheets for specific locations.

Updates to the New Zealand Soil Classification and Soil Description Manual

1 February 2025

Your opportunity to have a say - deadline: 30 April 2025

Draft updates to our two core field standards for soils work are now available for review: The New Zealand Soil Classification (NZSC), updated in 2010, and the New Zealand Soil Description Handbook last updated in 1995. The deadline for comment is Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
Learn more on how to participate